John and Derek's Travels November 6th, 2022, Issue 3

First Week in Yuma!

Hello and welcome back!

Derek here this time.

We have spent our first full week in the Yuma area. The weather has been very nice - highs in the mid-80’s and lows in the 50’s. I can easily get used to this. We did have a day with some high wind that gave our slide out toppers a work out.

He have not been doing much tourist stuff yet. It takes us around 20 minutes to drive into Yuma for grocery shopping and etc, so we try to plan our trips out. Last Sunday we went to Da Boyz Italian Cuize in downtown Yuma and it was quite good. We enjoyed a pizza with some adult beverages. Would not mind going back sometime to check out their other menu items.

Monday through Friday we both worked out of the RV. John has our Starlink re-activated and setup. It has been working well so far - around 50 down and 5 to 10 up. We mainly notice slow internet speeds during the evenings - but past few days have been “just fine”. Both of us being remote has been working out. We have to work around when we have video meetings, but it is manageable. I appreciate the noise cancelling capability of my over the ear headphones. Only downsize is that I look like a dork wearing them during video meetings.

Purchased a used Brother sewing machine on eBay and it was delivered this week. It was larger then I thought it would be but I found a nice place for it - shallow cabinet under the dining table. Obtained it to make some alternations to grey pet safe covers we have on the sofa and captain chairs. They are both made out of Ultraleather and we don't want the cats scratching them up. I had a sewing machine the first time we went full time and found many uses for it - expect it will be the same for this one.

I have started a weight loss plan through my employer and health insurance. They have weekly meetings and web site/app where I log the food I eat the the steps I take. The steps are synced with my iPhone so that is easy enough. It seems like pretty standard weight loss techniques. I feel sorry for John having to put up with me when I’m hungry and just want a cookie :)

Went for a walk around the RV park this evening. Took a nice photo of the sunset.

A few things I have noticed about living in the southwestern desert. First is that I feel thirsty more - been keeping water close by during the day. Second is the amount of flies around the RV park. I Googled “Yuma Flies” and found it is a common problem with the area.

Being in Arizona Mountain Time means I need to start work at 6:30am to be same as 8:30am CST. With daylight savings time ending today, there is only a 1 hour difference between us and the Midwest. I’m going to continue starting work at 6:30am CST because I like being done by 3:00pm.

Have been in the habit of going swimming for 45 minutes at the RV parks pool. The pool is not very large, but it is 6 feet deep at one end. The pools temperature is quite warm - around 90 degrees. Almost feels like taking a bath but is still refreshing after sitting most of the day. The main downsize is the amount of flies around the pool area. They don’t bother me while swimming but it is a bit discerning to see them all around.

Yesterday (Saturday) afternoon we received our second COVID booster shot at a CVS pharmacy inside of a local Target store. When I made the appointment they only had 1 time slot available on Saturday and 1 on Sunday. When we both arrived at the CVS counter they were nice enough to get us both in. It was super nice of them.

I typically only have mild reactions but with John it is bit more hit or miss with them. Today we are both feeling pretty crummy. It feels like we both have a fever, with aches, sore muscles and headaches - without actually having a fever. Hope we get this behind us tonight.

We had planned on checking out a large flea market outside of Yuma (Yuma Swap Meet), but it can wait until next weekend. I also hope to check out the Yuma Territorial Prison State Park sometime.

Not much else going on. Meraki say hi and to rub his tummy :)

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John, Derek, Ethan, and Meraki!

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